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INDONESIA

Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country and one of the most culturally diverse, is sprawled across more than 17,000 islands with over 300 different ethnicities and dialects. The people, most of whom are moderate Muslims, range from modern urban professionals in Jakarta, to village farmers and fishermen on many of the islands, to Stone Age tribal people in West Papua and peaceful, tourist-friendly Hindus of Bali. A former Dutch colony that became independent in the wake of World War II, Indonesia is a land of rich cultural and religious heritage, fascinating architecture, superb beaches and diving, unique wildlife, and remote village life.

Dutch sailors spoke of other-worldly creatures here such as the Komodo dragons of Komodo Island. From the orangutans of Borneo to the manta rays in the Gili Islands, Indonesia teems with a spectacular array of flora and fauna, like no other country on Earth. The landscape is just as varied, from the limestone isles of Raja Ampat to the snowy mountain peaks of Papua, home to the tribal Dani headhunters.

Alila Seminyak Beach Resort

On the island’s southwestern tip, lapped by the waves of the Indian Ocean, Seminyak has long been a by-word for luxurious Balinese vacations. Now stretching along the beachfront, allowing access to the sand in seconds, Alila Seminyak is attracting sunseekers from all over the world. Boasting a great range of accommodation, from cozy couples’ rooms to the lavish penthouse, no compromise is made on comfort and convenience. Likewise, the restaurant and bars provide laid-back dining in a range of settings. The excellent facilities cater to families as well as couples, with dedicated pools and a kids club. The spa and fitness facilities, meanwhile, allow for relaxation and invigoration, according to guests’ whims.

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Located on a clifftop plateau on the Bikut Peninsula on Bali’s southern coastline, the Alila Villas Ululwatu was designed by the award-winning Singapore architecture firm WOHA using environmentally sustainable principles, including water conservation and recycling and the use of local stone, wood, rattan and other raw materials. The luxury property, which opened in 2009, is the recipient of the prestigious Green Globe “Best Practice Building, Planning and Design” certification. Its 84 sea-view, private-pool villas feature contemporary Balinese accents along with such amenities as 24-hour butler service, wireless Internet and flat-screen satellite TVs. The resort has a 24-hour fitness center with yoga and pilates studio, while the Spa Alila features a variety of massage, skin and hair treatments. Dining includes the contemporary décor and western cuisine of CIRE and authentic Indonesian and Balinese dishes at Warung. Alila Villas Uluwatu is approximately 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Amandari

Amandari welcomes you to stay in central Bali at its 30-suite luxury property designed to resemble a traditional Balinese-style village with coconut wood posts, Javanese marble and volcanic stone. The suites come with a private garden, courtyard and outdoor sunken marble bath. The open-air restaurant serves Indonesian and Western cuisine with views of the lush gorge. Amenities at Amandari include a swimming pool, fitness center with state-of-the-art machines, private outdoor yoga classes, tennis courts and a library. Wi-fi is available in all rooms and public areas.The spa is surrounded by a lotus pond and has a beauty room, sauna, steam room and two bales (gazebos) for outdoor treatments. Amandari is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Denpasar Airport (DPS) in Bali.

Amanjiwo

In the heart of Central Java lies Amanjiwo, built from Yogya, the area’s famed local limestone. The bell-shaped rotunda of the main building echoes the nearby Borobudur, an ancient Buddhist temple and one of Indonesia’s most visited sites. The resort offers unspoiled views of this wonder, in addition to the fertile paddyfields of Kedu Plain. Indonesian and Western cuisine are served in the Dining Room, which is opulently decorated with gold-leaf murals of scenes from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, and breakfast, lunch and light snacks can also be served in the colonnaded Pool Club that extends into the rice fields. Other places for guests to unwind include the library, art gallery, spa, tennis center and outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool. Amanjiwo’s 36 suites are arranged in two crescents, which frame the main building. Each suite is topped with a traditional volcanic ash tinted roof and interiors include hand-carved coconut wood furniture, exotic Javanese textiles and antique glass paintings. Wireless broadband access is available in all public spaces and in all accommodations.

Amankila

Amankila is perched on a cliff overlooking Lombok Strait and the private beach just below the resort. The 34 thatched-roof suites have walkways that wind through vegetation, attaching them to restaurants and public areas. The restaurant overlooks the pools and the sea and serves Western and Indonesian cuisine; private dining in the suites is available all day. Amankila’s Beach Club is located at the base of the cliff where there is a large pool in addition to the three-tiered pool on the cliff side. The club offers a range of activities; windsurfers, kayaks, boogie boards and Hobie cats are all available for use. Yoga classes are available at the Beach Club, or taught privately in your suite. There is no fitness center and no business center, however wi-fi is available in all rooms and public areas. The spa offers beauty and Balinese massage treatments on the beach, hidden away among coconut trees, in your suite or in a massage pavilion. The resort is one hour from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

Amanusa

The serene Amanusa resort lies a stone’s throw from white beaches and the Indian Ocean, and is set amongst fragrant flowers and lush forests. Thirty-five thatched-roof villas blend indoor comforts with the tranquility of the outdoors; each is fitted with four-poster beds, sunken bathtubs and outdoor showers, and eight villas have their own private plunge pools. For dining, The Terrace offers Thai, Indonesian and continental cuisine with spectacular views of the island and the Indian Ocean. The Italian restaurant has a more formal setting in an elegant dining room, and for a casual meal, guests can try poolside dining. Amenities include Amanusa’s Beach Club, situated on a pristine beach with a lagoon for swimming and water sports; a large swimming pool and tennis courts; a library; and a spa offering Balinese, Swedish and acupressure massage, as well as other beauty and health treatments. There is no fitness or business center, but wi-fi is available in all rooms and public areas. The resort is a 15-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

Amanwana

Located on a nature reserve east of Bali on Moyo Island, Amanwana is a luxury tented resort with just 20 tents that face either the jungle or the ocean. Each 620-square-foot tent is enclosed by a solid wall and surrounded by a coral-stone deck. Inside, the air-conditioned tents feature banks of windows, Indonesian island artwork, a sitting area with facing divans, king-size bed, a writing desk and a large bathroom. There is hardwood flooring throughout. Sand paths link the tents to one another and lead to the beach, the dining room and reception. The dining room’s roof soars nearly 50 feet in the air and is open to the ocean. Both Western and Asian dishes are served in the dining room; campfire dinners on the beach, picnics in the music pavilion and private dinner cruises can also be arranged. The Jungle Cove Spa is just off the beach and encompasses three treatment areas, one double and two single rooms, each including a recessed, soaking tub and a shower for indulging in treatments using local ingredients.

COMO Shambhala Estate

COMO Shambhala Estate is a haven of wellness situated in the heart of Ubud. The Estate is the flagship property of the COMO Shambhala brand and offers the services of a wide variety of health professionals, including a nutritionist, naturopath, Ayurvedic doctor, physiotherapist, as well as fitness, yoga and pilates instructors. The property’s spacious rooms and suites have a host of amenities including direct dial telephones, Internet access, satellite TV, a DVD player, CD player, electronic safe, private bar, and COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities. Hotel amenities are equally plentiful: indoor and outdoor fitness centers, a natural spring that feeds into Kedara garden, which has four treatment bales and other relaxation areas, lap and hydrotherapy pools, a full-service business center, Ojas, the Sanskrit word for “essence of life” and the name for the Estate’s principal treatment area, a yoga pavilion, pilates studio, rock climbing wall, tennis courts and two restaurants.

COMO Uma Ubud Bali

A stay at COMO Uma Ubud Bali in the beautiful, green Balinese countryside guarantees peace and relaxation. From its location amidst rice fields, to its services and amenities, guests are sure to unwind in this tranquil oasis. Just a short drive from Ubud, famous for its artists and culture, the hotel offers a free shuttle bus service and the knowledgeable staff can arrange tours and treks for guests to explore the local area. After a day of hiking, rafting or watching cultural shows, guests can return to their beautiful accommodation at Uma. The 46 suites and rooms are perfectly in keeping with the gorgeous natural surroundings whilst being tastefully decorated and equipped with all the mod cons. Dining too is a delight at Uma, from the rustic Italian cuisine at Uma Cucina to the seasonal local menu at Kemiri. What’s more, the poolside bar serves up tasty cocktails.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Located on a hilltop with dramatic views of Jimbaran Bay, the Four Seasons Resort Bali has winding stone walkways to the beach and 147 spacious, thatched-roof villas with private plunge pools. There are four restaurants to choose from: PJ’s specializes in seafood, Taman Wantilan serves Indonesian specialties in open air pavilions overlooking the Bay to Bali’s volcanoes, Warung Mie has Asian noodle dishes and exotic drinks, and the Pool Terrace Café has a light menu of salads and sandwiches. The facilities at the Four Seasons include a fitness center with free weights and cardiovascular machines, an aerobic studio, a pool and a tennis court. There is also a business center and wi-fi access. The spa has nine rooms with a variety of beauty and massage treatments that incorporate aromatic flowers, Indonesian herbs and elements from the ocean. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

Four Seasons Sayan

Situated above the treetops and perched dramatically over Bali’s sacred Ayung River gorge, the Four Seasons Sayan is a beautifully appointed and secluded jungle retreat. There are 18 suites and 42 ingeniously bamboo-camouflaged villas with private outdoor terraces, all decorated with local art, woodwork and hand-lomed fabrics. There are two restaurants, the casual, open-air Riverside Cafe, which has a wood-burning pizza oven, and the elegant Ayung Terrace, where the outdoor area is jaw-droppingly cantilevered over the gorge for spectacular views. The Four Seasons has a two-level, infinity-edge pool by the riverside, a fully-equipped fitness center and complimentary cycling or hiking excursions in the surrounding area. The Sayan’s spa has three spa villas designed with natural materials such as teak wood cabinets and flooring, hand-blown glass wash basins, and thatched roofs, and offers a full menu of holistic aesthetic and therapeutic treatments that draw from Ayurveda and other Asian traditions.

Nihiwatu Resort

Nihiwatu Resort, a small and exclusive island hideaway in eastern Indonesia, sits on 175 hectares of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands, and features 1.6 miles of headland-protected beachfront. Due to its location, Nihiwatu offers adventure sports such as world class fishing, surfing and diving, yet is an idyllic getaway for couples and anyone in need of rest and relaxation in pristine environs. Surrounding Nihiwatu are Stone Age sites and traditional villages that have remained unchanged for centuries; this unique tribal culture with its ancient animist rituals is truly incredible. Nihiwatu has seven luxury bungalows and three two-bedroom villas, offering complete solitude on remote Sumba Island. The thatched-roof bungalows and villas, hand-built by Indonesian craftsman using local materials, have balcony vistas stretching the full length of the beach to the headlands beyond. All are superbly outfitted in contemporary Indonesian style with large glass walls and doors to maximize the views. A swimming pool, cliff-top bar and living and dining room are close by the villas, and on the beach below is Nihiwatu’s jungle spa under a grove of Pandanus trees. Dining menus change daily and feature Asian and Western fare, and there is an extensive wine list with Old and New World bottles to suit any palate. The largest Sumbanese structure on the island is where private and group yoga, pilates and meditation instruction are available. Nihiwatu is a 50-minute flight from Bali.

Ritz-Carlton Jakarta

Located in the bustling commercial district of Mega Kuningan, the Ritz-Carlton Jakarta is one of the capital's most luxurious five-star properties. The hotel offers 333 luxurious rooms and suites including one Presidential Suite, three Ritz-Carlton Suites, 31 Mayfair Suites, two Grand Spa Terrace Villas, 298 spacious guest rooms and club level rooms. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, high quality linen, sunken bath, designer bathroom amenities, ironing board and iron, free WiFi, LCD TV and a fridge and minibar. The hotel spa and fitness center is one of the finest and most exclusive in Jakarta, and offers a range of invigorating spa treatments. Dining options consist of Asia, an all-day international/Asian buffet; Lobo, a chic high-end Italian restaurant that also serves over 100 different martinis; and Tempus, a sophisticated bar, nightclub and karaoke lounge.

Soori Bali

Situated on a volcanic black sand beach and overlooking a series of glimmering, emerald rice terraces, the Alila Villas Soori comprises forty exclusive, comfortable bedrooms set in a number of guesthouses and villas. Each of its rooms features a LCD television, surround-sound system, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Apple Television. There are two restaurants located on the premises: Cotta, an open-air eatery that provides a tasting menu with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared in Indonesian and Western dishes; and Ombak, an eclectic, interactive dining experience that also offers cooking lessons and trips to the local market. In addition, Alila Villas Soori hosts an in-house spa providing natural, holistic therapies, an infinity pool, fitness center, library, and yoga classes. Alilas Villas Soori is approximately 65 minutes from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

The Bulgari

The magnificient Bulgari villas are set 492 feet (150 meters) above the Indian Ocean towards the southern tip of Bali at Uluwatu. The beach is accessed by the hotel’s inclined, private elevator. There are 59 villas in total and are made of hand-cut volcanic stone and exotic local timber, reflecting the Balinese design while taking into account the classic Italian style associated with Bulgari. Balinese art and antiques are featured in every villa, which also has luxurious, modern amenities including Bang and Olufsen sound systems. There is one fine-dining restaurant, Il Ristorante, which serves Italian food, a bar that overlooks the infinity pool and ocean,an opulent spa with a wide-range of treatment options, incorporating European and Asian styles of massage. The other option is the more casual Sangkar, an Indonesian restaurant.

The Dharmawangsa

This elegant, luxurious five-star boutique hotel in Jakarta is located in Kebayoran Baru, an exclusive residential area in Jakarta. Consisting of 64 rooms and 36 suites, each guest room and suite opens onto a large private balcony. All rooms and suites are adorned with fabrics and art pieces, and feature dual-line telephones, data port, high speed internet access, briefcase-sized safes, fax machines and multimedia entertainment centers. The hotel is home to three restaurants: Jakarta, which serves Indonesian, Asian, and Western fare in a casual setting; Sriwijaya, inspired by the eponymous, eighth-century Indonesian kingdom, which offers French cuisine; and Sekitei, reputedly Jakarta’s top Japanese restaurant. The hotel also offers indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and tennis and squash courts. The Dharmawangsa is approximately thirty-three minutes from Jakarta's international airport.

The Legian Bali

The Legian Bali is located on Seminyak beach, which offers some of the world’s best surfs, sunsets and nightlife. The hotel comprises 68 rooms and suites, all designed in a modern chic style, while also incorporating traditional Balinese artwork and artifacts. Guests can immerse themselves in the Indonesian way of life while staying at The Legian Bali with its tropical scenery and tranquil surroundings. The amenities and facilities are plentiful and delightful, with several treatments available at the elegant spa, including body polish rituals for detoxing or rejuvenation, performed amidst beautiful natural garden surroundings. Guests can indulge in restaurants that serve some of the freshest, most succulent seafood around, caught daily from the nearby waters. From the hotel’s many well-appointed restaurants, stunning views of the ocean, as well as the famous Seminyak sunset, can be observed while guests sip away on one of the hotel’s custom-made cocktails.

The Oberoi Bali

Located on Seminyak beach, The Oberoi offers a range of rooms, villas and pool villas, each of which includes broadband internet, satellite TV with DVD player, IDD telephones and 24-hour room service. The Oberoi’s on-site facilities include open-air massage pavilions at the Oberoi Spa, a tennis court, a fully-equipped gym and a business center. Dining options include Kura Kura Restaurant, which serves gourmet traditional Indonesian cuisine, was voted Indonesia’s Best Restaurant in 2011 by Indonesia Tattler, and cited in the 2011-12 Miele Guide; Frangipani Café for al fresco breakfast or fresh seafood and light meals throughout the day; and Kayu Bar for aperitifs or post-prandials. The Oberoi is approximately 25 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

The Oberoi Lombok

Spend the day in a hammock on the beach, the evening dining in an open-air pavilion, the night in an ocean villa with a private pool - thus is life at the Oberoi, on Lombok island, Indonesia. The very definition of indulgence and relaxation, this luxury resort sprawls over 24 acres of lush gardens and a grand infinity pool, overlooking Medana Bay and Bali’s volcanic Mount Agung. Guests stay in luxury pavilions and villas that overlook either lush green or sparkling blue, many with their own private pools for total privacy. All three on-site dining options - Lumbung Restaurant, Sunbird Café, and Tokek Bar - are located in open-air, thatched spaces, taking advantage of the sea breeze and spectacular view. With private beach access, guests can spend their days frolicking in the surf and sand, relax in the spa, or explore the hotel’s incredible surroundings.

Tugu Lombok

Breathe in the peaceful air and tranquil atmosphere of Lombok - a small island just a twenty-minute flight from Bali - with a stay at Tugu Hotel Lombok. This small boutique hotel is located on the white sand beach of Sire on the northwest coast of the island, surrounded by thatched roofs, lush green fields, and a beautifully-landscaped 18-hole golf course. Decorated as a pseudo-museum featuring Indonesian art and cultural antiquities, the hotel itself is an experience: guests can spend their time exploring the art pieces scattered throughout the hotel, dine around the property, from a bamboo bed on the beach to the reconstructed Sang Hyang Barong Temple, and indulge in a spa treatment or yoga class while listening to waves crash on the beach. With some much to do at the hotel, guests will have a hard time being lured away, though diving, snorkeling, surfing, and a sunset horse-drawn bendi ride have their appeal!

Indonesia is climatically different to other Southeast Asian nations. Like India, Indonesia is a very diverse country. Since Indonesia is spread out across many thousands of islands, the weather can vary drastically from one part of the nation to the other. To begin, there are two seasons in Indonesia: the wet and the dry. The very best times to visit Indonesia are from April through the end of October. The dry season is considered the best time to visit, with August and September being ideal months. The rainy season runs from October to the end of February. June, July and August are the very best times to visit Bali, right before the rainy season kicks in.